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    Home » Ingredient Prep

    Guide to the Best Matcha Whisks for Lattes and Tea

    Published: Mar 28, 2023 · Modified: Apr 22, 2023 by Elcy Wang · 2 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    If you are a kitchen minimalist and aren't a fan of buying single-use equipment, there are several ways you can still make a perfect cup of matcha latte, without using a traditional Japanese matcha whisk.  This guide to the best matcha whisks for lattes and tea will help you decide whether a standard metal whisk or a natural bamboo whisk is truly the best option for you. 

    Frothed milk in a gray bowl next to matcha tea in a white cup, surrounded by various whisking tools.
    Jump to:
    • Are there advantages to investing in a traditional bamboo matcha whisk?
    • Besides a matcha whisk, are there other accessories needed for making matcha tea?
    • Are there hacks for mixing and frothing without using a matcha whisk?
    • Can I use ordinary kitchen equipment instead of a matcha whisk for mixing and frothing?
    • Method 1: Using a balloon whisk
    • Method 2: Using a bar whisk
    • Method 3: Using a dinner fork
    • What technique should I use to mix and froth?
    • Conclusion
    • Other considerations
    • FAQ
    • Related

    Are there advantages to investing in a traditional bamboo matcha whisk?

    If you haven't heard of the term "chasen", it is referring to a traditional Japanese whisk made from a single piece of bamboo, split into 80-120 tines. It is specifically designed to evenly mix matcha tea powder with hot water.

    Bamboo whisk, or chasen.

    Advantages

    A bamboo matcha whisk does have some advantages over modern utensils:

    1. It does not add any bitter taste to the tea, while some say metal utensils can have this effect.
    2. It effortlessly creates a smooth consistency when mixing up matcha powder with water.
    3. It froths (a.k.a. foams) liquid well, which brings out the aroma of the matcha tea.

    Disadvantages

    While it's often recommended to use a traditional bamboo whisk, it's not the most practical method for a few reasons:

    1. It needs to be soaked in warm water for a few minutes to soften it before use.
    2. It cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher as it must be hand-washed for proper care.
    3. It needs to be stored using a special whisk stand to maintain its form, requiring yet another specialized accessory.
    4. Its shorter handle does not work well in a deeper container.
    5. A traditional matcha whisk will not likely last as long as a modern metal kitchen tool.

    Besides a matcha whisk, are there other accessories needed for making matcha tea?

    Even if you are a regular matcha drinker, you don't have to purchase a specialized matcha tea set to make a tea or latte on your own. At a minimum, a set typically consists of a bamboo whisk and a bamboo scoop. It may also include a matcha whisk holder (not shown), a bamboo spoon for stirring, and a tea bowl (also known as a chawan).

    Matcha tea set with bamboo whisk, grey chawan, bamboo scoop, and bamboo spoon.

    Are there hacks for mixing and frothing without using a matcha whisk?

    Mason jar with gray lid next to it.

    One easy hack is to warm up the milk, pour it into a mason jar, seal the jar with a leak-proof lid, and shake it. The disadvantage is you have to transfer the milk from the pot into a jar, just to froth it.

    Next, you have to pour it into the mug of matcha tea to finish the job. This leaves you with more equipment to wash afterward than you may prefer. Plus, transferring the milk to a jar isn't the best way to keep the milk warm enough to enjoy.

    Alternatively, if you aren't trying to be artful in making a latte, where the white milk froth contrasts with the green tea, then you could simply shake up the warmed milk along with all of the other ingredients and drink it straight from the jar.

    Can I use ordinary kitchen equipment instead of a matcha whisk for mixing and frothing?

    I have tested 3 different kitchen tools that work very well for making a matcha latte at home. As it turns out, the perfect matcha whisk is likely something you already have as an essential tool for other uses. Simply choose whichever tool is already available to you.

    Method 1: Using a balloon whisk

    Balloon whisk.

    A balloon whisk is just a regular whisk that many households use for whipping up scrambled eggs, mixing batters, and combining sauces. These work great for frothing milk quickly. The disadvantage is even the smallest size may be too big to use in a latte mug or small saucepan.

    Method 2: Using a bar whisk

    Bar whisk.

    A bar whisk is an excellent tool for mixing and frothing in a small container. You can use it to mix up the matcha powder and hot water directly in a mug. Its triangular shape is particularly effective for breaking up any clumps of powder that might get stuck to the bottom edge.

    This whisk also works really well for frothing milk in a small saucepan. Its long handle makes it usable for shallow or deeper containers. All in all, I find this to be the best matcha whisk.

    If you don't own one already, you can easily find a good quality bar whisk for under $10. You will likely discover many other uses for it, such as mixing a cup of hot chocolate, whisking up a small batch of dressing, and mixing your favorite cocktails.

    Method 3: Using a dinner fork

    Dinner fork.

    It may surprise you to learn that a standard dinner fork is another great way to mix up some matcha tea and froth milk. Give this a try before considering other options, especially if you don't already own any whisks.

    What technique should I use to mix and froth?

    Regardless of whether you choose a whisk or fork, be sure to use a quick back-and-forth motion instead of a circular motion for mixing and frothing.

    Conclusion

    Unless you are a tea master conducting traditional tea ceremonies or simply someone who appreciates the aesthetics and experience of making matcha the traditional way, there is no need to seek out special equipment to enjoy the taste and health benefits of drinking matcha.

    Matcha Latte in a white mug surrounded by a bamboo whisk, bamboo scoop, bamboo spoon, and a small white dish of matcha powder.

    Other considerations

    Now that you've learned about the different tools that can be used, there are other important things to consider when making the perfect cup of matcha. Check out my articles on the best dairy-free milk alternatives for making matcha lattes and the differences between ceremonial and culinary grade matcha.

    When you're ready to give matcha a try, here's a simple vanilla matcha latte recipe.  Maximize your experience by choosing a high-quality matcha tea powder for a full-bodied taste!

    FAQ

    Can I use a blender to froth milk?

    A blender would certainly work, but it may be more trouble than it's worth.

    Is an electric frother a good alternative?

    You may have wondered whether it's best to use an electric frother for the milk or perhaps an espresso machine, but these methods are overkill if you don't own them already.

    Should I purchase an electric whisk?

    An electric whisk does not give you as much control for frothing. It is important to whisk in a back-and-forth motion to create foam for your latte.

    Does a flat-coil whisk work for making a matcha latte?

    Flat-coil whisks are effective at mixing but they are not the best tool for frothing.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Matcha latte in a white mug resting on a white napkin on a dark gray background.
      Simple Vanilla Matcha Latte (No Added Sugar)
    • Three bowls of plant-based milk and one bowl of cow's milk, all frothed using a bar whisk.
      Best Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives for Matcha Lattes
    • Two different grades of matcha tea powder in separate little wood bowls with bamboo matcha scoop and spoon.
      Ceremonial vs. Culinary Grade Matcha - Differences Explained

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    • Five slices of sheet pan eggs on a green plate with fork.
      Greek-Inspired Sheet Pan Eggs
    • A container of homemade chocolate sauce on a plate surrounded by fruit and bread cubes.
      Easy Homemade Chocolate Sauce (using Chocolate Chips)
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      Breakfast Ideas with Greek Yogurt
    • White wine vinaigrette in a mason jar next to a plate of mixed green salad.
      Easy White Wine Vinaigrette (Gluten-Free Salad Dressing Recipe)

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Bell says

      April 26, 2023 at 6:04 pm

      I use a bar whisk everyday because of this helpful article. It’s very useful, especially in small pans and tea kettles

      Reply
      • Elcy Wang says

        April 28, 2023 at 11:50 am

        I couln't agree more! It's such a handy tool.

        Reply

    Welcome!

    I'm Elcy, a certified nutrition coach, health and wellness food blogger, and home chef.  I love to share recipes and techniques to make home cooking a reality for anyone interested in upgrading their health.

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